The Dillon Yacht Club Blog has been moved to:
Save Dillon Yacht Club
We needed more local exposure.
Thank you for your support.
-Steve Delaney
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
A Grave Injustice.
The current plan for the bike path on Gold Run and Tenderfoot is wrong on so many levels.
1. As a current owner who walks both parts of those roads frequently, I must say I have never been concerned for my safety from traffic... cars or bikes. The only area of concern for personal safety that I have ever had is when walking down the steep portion of Tenderfoot when walking downhill from Lake Dillon Drive.
2. It has been proposed that residents and guests from Dillon Yacht Club park in the Town of Dillon parking lot and walk the half mile to their homes. I believe this is a much more serious safety concern! Not to mention the unreasonable distance, the steep hill we will be forced to walk is often covered with snow, ice, or gravel. Not to mention that people don't always come home from work in the sunny afternoon when risks are less. What about families? Yes, people with children do live and work here. What about residents who may have an injury or other limitation that keeps them from safely walking this distance to get to their own home?
3. Isn't there a conflict of interest if the city is concerned about alleged safety concerns for a few cyclists at the greater risks of a larger number of hard-working tax payers who are being denied reasonable access to their own homes?
4. Some of these units are actually second homes which are rented out as vacation rentals. As an owner who has spent money and much effort to improve and update our unit, and have been renting our unit since January, I speak with a good knowledge of the tax revenues we collect, for the state as well as for the Town of Dillon. I am quite certain, guests will not be choosing to stay in a condo that requires a dangerous walk to their front door. Good-bye tax revenues.
5. There are only a 19 homes on Gold Run Circle, which translates to a small number of cars driving on this road. The temporary solution that has been given is to make this road one way. That would be an excellent permanent solution. Car traffic in one lane. Recreational traffic in the second lane. This save millions of tax payer dollars because the road is already there. This does not eliminate the parking for Dillon Yacht Club homeowners. Approximately 150 people stand to lose parking at their own home, for the convenience of the 19 homeowners who may have to travel an additional 40 seconds if Gold Run Circle is one-way.
6. It has been brought to my attention that the Environmental Impact study has never been done. I believe this too is a serious concern.
This project has been pushed quickly and quietly through. I believe there may be a perceived lack of interest by the fact that there have not been more owners at the meetings. This is not lack of concern. As a homeowner, I was indeed notified of 2 Town Council meetings that we were encouraged to attend, however because these meetings are on Tuesdays at 6:30 most of the owners on the Front Range are unable to get there in time for the meetings. Letters arrived the day before the second meeting confirming the beginning of the project in great detail. In other words, a done deal even if the 'final vote' had not taken place yet. I was so committed to attend the Information Town Meeting this past Saturday that I left Littleton at 2:00 on Friday afternoon so that the snow would not prevent my attendance. After 13 hours in the car, on the road, or in a parking lot in Idaho Springs, I finally made it back to Denver at 3:00 A.M. to over a foot of snow in my own driveway. I was more than willing to sit on I-70 until the westbound road reopened, but that was not an option when police officers tell you that you are going back down the mountain.
This sounds like the interests of a few privileged people in the position of power are overrunning the rights and needs of the public they have been elected to serve. This is a grave injustice.
-Susie Rawlings
1. As a current owner who walks both parts of those roads frequently, I must say I have never been concerned for my safety from traffic... cars or bikes. The only area of concern for personal safety that I have ever had is when walking down the steep portion of Tenderfoot when walking downhill from Lake Dillon Drive.
2. It has been proposed that residents and guests from Dillon Yacht Club park in the Town of Dillon parking lot and walk the half mile to their homes. I believe this is a much more serious safety concern! Not to mention the unreasonable distance, the steep hill we will be forced to walk is often covered with snow, ice, or gravel. Not to mention that people don't always come home from work in the sunny afternoon when risks are less. What about families? Yes, people with children do live and work here. What about residents who may have an injury or other limitation that keeps them from safely walking this distance to get to their own home?
3. Isn't there a conflict of interest if the city is concerned about alleged safety concerns for a few cyclists at the greater risks of a larger number of hard-working tax payers who are being denied reasonable access to their own homes?
4. Some of these units are actually second homes which are rented out as vacation rentals. As an owner who has spent money and much effort to improve and update our unit, and have been renting our unit since January, I speak with a good knowledge of the tax revenues we collect, for the state as well as for the Town of Dillon. I am quite certain, guests will not be choosing to stay in a condo that requires a dangerous walk to their front door. Good-bye tax revenues.
5. There are only a 19 homes on Gold Run Circle, which translates to a small number of cars driving on this road. The temporary solution that has been given is to make this road one way. That would be an excellent permanent solution. Car traffic in one lane. Recreational traffic in the second lane. This save millions of tax payer dollars because the road is already there. This does not eliminate the parking for Dillon Yacht Club homeowners. Approximately 150 people stand to lose parking at their own home, for the convenience of the 19 homeowners who may have to travel an additional 40 seconds if Gold Run Circle is one-way.
6. It has been brought to my attention that the Environmental Impact study has never been done. I believe this too is a serious concern.
This project has been pushed quickly and quietly through. I believe there may be a perceived lack of interest by the fact that there have not been more owners at the meetings. This is not lack of concern. As a homeowner, I was indeed notified of 2 Town Council meetings that we were encouraged to attend, however because these meetings are on Tuesdays at 6:30 most of the owners on the Front Range are unable to get there in time for the meetings. Letters arrived the day before the second meeting confirming the beginning of the project in great detail. In other words, a done deal even if the 'final vote' had not taken place yet. I was so committed to attend the Information Town Meeting this past Saturday that I left Littleton at 2:00 on Friday afternoon so that the snow would not prevent my attendance. After 13 hours in the car, on the road, or in a parking lot in Idaho Springs, I finally made it back to Denver at 3:00 A.M. to over a foot of snow in my own driveway. I was more than willing to sit on I-70 until the westbound road reopened, but that was not an option when police officers tell you that you are going back down the mountain.
This sounds like the interests of a few privileged people in the position of power are overrunning the rights and needs of the public they have been elected to serve. This is a grave injustice.
-Susie Rawlings
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Follow Your Heart
Good afternoon my good people!I just returned from the Dillon Town meeting regarding their Urban Renewal Project. Barring a few nice individuals, I have never been treated as such an outcast in my life. The only town official that treated me with any respect was Police Chief Joe Wray. Thanks Joe!
Really, I could care less how these people treat me. I would never want to associate with most of them anyway. But you know what really chaps me? I only had time to squeeze in four runs on an epic power day before I had to attend this meeting. :)
Anyway, some new developments came out of this meeting. First, during construction the Town of Dillon is making Gold Run Circle one-way. If they can do this during construction, why can’t it be done permanently? Then it never would have gotten this far.
However, as luck would have it, I am glad it did get this far!
Everyone who knows me is aware of how passionate I am about the environment. It is the single most important issue in my life.
Last night I was watching the Discovery Channel when it came to me! Did the Town of Dillon have an Environmental Impact Study done on this project?
Ironically, the Town of Dillon never had an Environmental Impact Study. When I asked Dillon Town Planner Dan Burroughs he claimed, “we don’t need one.” The recreation path includes a retaining wall. The town most certainly does need one.
We live at the end of town and have fox, coyote, geese, bear, and sandhill crane among other wildlife in the area. They all use our yard to access the lake. What impact will this retaining wall have on these animals?
Example: Will a fox be forced into oncoming traffic because the retaining wall blocks his escape?
I never even considered this issue before because:
a) I was too consumed with trying to save my home.
b) I never thought anything in Colorado would get approved without an Environmental Assessment. It appears to be such an eco-friendly state.
Follow your heart and it will lead you in the right direction!
-Steve Delaney
Friday, April 17, 2009
The Story of a Tree
Once upon a time there was a tree. This tree looked average at first glance. Rather young compared to most in the area, it had quite a few branches missing, and no birds ever nested upon its limbs due to exposure. It would seem that if it were standing among other trees it would be easily overlooked. However, this tree was special. This tree was planted in the neighborhood belonging to the Dillon Town Mayor and a Dillon Town Councilwoman.One day, the Dillon Town Council voted to put in a recreation path. The tree was terrified, “what is going to happen to me,” cried the tree.
“Its ok little tree,’ exclaimed the Dillon Town Manager. “You are a privileged tree,” he said, as he glared across the street at the trees in the yard belonging to Dillon Yacht Club. “Are you sure I’ll be ok,” said the tree, “I mean, your rec path is going run right over me.”
“Relax,” said the town manager. “You are way more important than the 100+ people that live there,” pointing at Dillon Yacht Club. Just then the town manager’s phone rang. It was the mayor. “What’s going on?” said the mayor. “I am consoling one of the trees in your neighborhood,” responded the manager. “Is it a privileged tree?” asked the mayor. “Of course,” said the manager. “We’ll be right there!” shouted the mayor, with an air of urgency.
The mayor bolted into the council chambers and announced, “We have a privileged tree that is very upset.” The Dillon Town Council members quickly loaded into a couple of awaiting squad cars for the 1/2-mile ride down the hill. When they arrived, they observed the manager embracing the tree. All of the council members surrounded the tree and held hands, while reassuring it that they would always look out for its best interest.
The trees across the street at Dillon Yacht Club observed the goings on in the yard of the newly constructed mansion. “I have been here for over 45 years and that is the strangest thing I have ever seen,” commented a large, lodgepole pine. “And to think, these are the people that are running this town!” laughed the aspen.
__________________________________________________
******Okay, so I embellished this story quite a bit. As far as I know there are no talking trees, nor did the mayor, town council or town manager take time out of their day to console “privileged” trees. The tree pictured agreed to have its photo taken but in no way made claim that it is the tree in question.
So, you ask, “What is the point of this crazy story?”
Read on:
At the Dillon Town Council meeting on April 7, the council members and mayor were more concerned about a resident’s tree, than the 100+ residents of the Dillon Yacht Club. They spent an inordinate amount of time discussing the care of a resident’s tree and how construction was going to affect it. Not once did they bring up the issue of the impact to residents for seizing potentially half the parking spaces from the tax-paying residents of Dillon Yacht Club. Don’t get me wrong. I love trees. The more the merrier, but this was a cold-hearted slap in the face.
On the evening of April 7 the Dillon Town Council voted to approve a phase of their Urban Renewal Project. Coincidently, the plans have the rec path running parallel with Gold Run Circle; thus instantly increasing the value of Mayor Barbara Davis and Councilwoman Mary Forsythe’s homes, which are located on Gold Run Circle. This same rec path will also severely diminish the property value for the residents of Dillon Yacht Club by limiting reasonable access to their property. If you feel I am exaggerating, I encourage you to contact the Town of Dillon and request their minutes from the April 7 meeting.
We proposed numerous options that would have been a win-win for everyone, but the Dillon Town Council refused to consider any of them. We now enter litigation with the Town of Dillon. Much of our reserve funds, which were to be spent on an exterior remodel this summer, will now be spent on attorney’s fees.
Sometimes I wish I were a tree.
-Steve Delaney
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Photos of our home
This is Dillon Yacht Club. Not the newest or most luxurious condo in the area but it is very clean and well maintained. The kind of place you don't bother to lock your doors, and leave your bikes and boats out back without fear of anything being messed with.
This is our yard! A million-dollar view without the giant mortgage. A place where neighbors gather for volleyball, horseshoes or a BBQ. We take pride in our little community and wouldn't ever want to change a thing!
-Steve Delaney
Save Dillon Yacht Club
Hello my good people! My name is Steve Delaney and I have created this blog to hopefully save our Utopia called Dillon Yacht Club.
Dillon Yacht Club is a condominium built in 1964 and sits on the shores of Lake Dillon in Summit County, Colorado. Never remodeled but well-maintained, this building has an old-school charm that you just don't find any more. The residents here are always available to lend a hand and a smile. I'm sure most of us feel it is the most wonderful place to live on Earth!
Recently the Town of Dillon approved a recreation path that will run down both streets that Dillon Yacht Club is located on- Gold Run Circle and Tenderfoot Drive. This is a part of the town's Urban Renewal Plan. I have no problem with rec paths; however, this one wipes out literally half of our parking spaces. Bear in mind that our complex sits smack dab in the middle of some very expensive homes, including Mayor Barbara Davis and Councilwoman Mary Forsythe's homes. Quite frankly, we live on a prime piece of real estate that I feel the Town of Dillon is foaming at the mouth to get at. This rec path will dramatically diminish the property values of our homes.
The Town of Dillon recently conducted a study in which our condo was portrayed in an negative light. How dare anyone act so condescending towards our home! The residents of Dillon Yacht Club are the people that make this community run- bartenders, plow drivers, mechanics, cashiers, cooks, ski patrol, housekeepers etc. We take pride in our homes and are the core of this community.
In regards to the Urban Renewal Project, the Town of Dillon said in a April 9 interview with Caitlin Row, of the Summit Daily News, "Dillon doesn’t have any specific proposals at this point, but town officials say they are open to all possibilities. One thing appears certain: Dillon needs more warm bodies, residents that are there 24 hours a day, seven days a week." If warm bodies are what the Town of Dillon craves, we are right here; all 100+ of us.
We recently provided the town with a perfect solution, since they stated they were "open to all possibilities." How about making Gold Run Circle a one-way street? It would resolve the parking situation for Dillon Yacht Club and save the taxpayers potentially millions of dollars! There would be no need to widen the road and install a rec path beside it. Instead, the town could utilize the existing road; using one lane for cars and one for recreation. Common sense is something that most politicians lack, and our proposal was shot down.
We, the residents of DYC are currently filing a lawsuit against the Town of Dillon. If they don't wish to compromise, then I guess its time for the "little guy" to stand up and fight. I still feel that what's just and right will always prevail.
Myself, and other members of the Dillon Yacht Club will be posting on this blog, bringing you updates and pictures of our ongoing situation. Please check back often and drop us a line of encouragement. I wish you all well and have a wonderful evening!
-Steve Delaney
Dillon Yacht Club is a condominium built in 1964 and sits on the shores of Lake Dillon in Summit County, Colorado. Never remodeled but well-maintained, this building has an old-school charm that you just don't find any more. The residents here are always available to lend a hand and a smile. I'm sure most of us feel it is the most wonderful place to live on Earth!
Recently the Town of Dillon approved a recreation path that will run down both streets that Dillon Yacht Club is located on- Gold Run Circle and Tenderfoot Drive. This is a part of the town's Urban Renewal Plan. I have no problem with rec paths; however, this one wipes out literally half of our parking spaces. Bear in mind that our complex sits smack dab in the middle of some very expensive homes, including Mayor Barbara Davis and Councilwoman Mary Forsythe's homes. Quite frankly, we live on a prime piece of real estate that I feel the Town of Dillon is foaming at the mouth to get at. This rec path will dramatically diminish the property values of our homes.
The Town of Dillon recently conducted a study in which our condo was portrayed in an negative light. How dare anyone act so condescending towards our home! The residents of Dillon Yacht Club are the people that make this community run- bartenders, plow drivers, mechanics, cashiers, cooks, ski patrol, housekeepers etc. We take pride in our homes and are the core of this community.
In regards to the Urban Renewal Project, the Town of Dillon said in a April 9 interview with Caitlin Row, of the Summit Daily News, "Dillon doesn’t have any specific proposals at this point, but town officials say they are open to all possibilities. One thing appears certain: Dillon needs more warm bodies, residents that are there 24 hours a day, seven days a week." If warm bodies are what the Town of Dillon craves, we are right here; all 100+ of us.
We recently provided the town with a perfect solution, since they stated they were "open to all possibilities." How about making Gold Run Circle a one-way street? It would resolve the parking situation for Dillon Yacht Club and save the taxpayers potentially millions of dollars! There would be no need to widen the road and install a rec path beside it. Instead, the town could utilize the existing road; using one lane for cars and one for recreation. Common sense is something that most politicians lack, and our proposal was shot down.
We, the residents of DYC are currently filing a lawsuit against the Town of Dillon. If they don't wish to compromise, then I guess its time for the "little guy" to stand up and fight. I still feel that what's just and right will always prevail.
Myself, and other members of the Dillon Yacht Club will be posting on this blog, bringing you updates and pictures of our ongoing situation. Please check back often and drop us a line of encouragement. I wish you all well and have a wonderful evening!
-Steve Delaney
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